The Wood Library-Museum

Davis Inhaler

Surgeons greatly value the services of the anesthesiologists who work closely with them as a team.The famous neurosurgeon, Dr. Harvey W. Cushing (1869-1939) preferred to hire Dr. S. Griffith Davis (1867-1934). Encouraged by Cushing, Davis was the first to continuously monitor the patient's heart and lung sounds throughout the course of anesthesia.

This inhaler is one of several anesthesia devices invented by Davis.Introduced around 1913, it delivered a combinationof nitrous oxide, oxygen and ether.Its safety features include a see-through, celluloid mask, and adjustable valves to control both the patient's inhaled and exhaled air.Part of the exhaled air was returned to the patient, a technique called "rebreathing".This added some carbon dioxide to the patient's air, helping to stimulate his breathing and reducing the amount of anesthetic needed.

The content on this Wood Library-Museum website reflects historical uses of objects and materials and may not reflect current medical practice. The content should not be relied upon in any manner as medical advice.